Vehicle impact force limiting system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle impact force limiting system including at least one gas generator or gas source which generates gas and directs a flow of gas forward in a lengthwise direction with a force enabling to reduce the impact force during a vehicle frontal collision or a rear-impact crash. The gas flow can have a predetermined or an adjustable force based on crash severity. The impact or driving force of the vehicle is directed forward in a lengthwise direction, while the reactive force of the gas flow of the impact force limiting system is directed rearward in an opposite lengthwise direction. Thus, the reactive force of the gas flow reduces the frontal-impact force which lowers the rate of deceleration in the occupant compartment during a frontal collision, or the reactive force reduces the rear-impact force which lowers the rate of sudden forward acceleration in the occupant compartment during a rear-impact crash. The reduced impact force reduces the severity of occupant&#39;s injuries in a vehicle crash. In case of emergency, the system allows the vehicle occupant to stop the vehicle almost instantly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a vehicle impact force limiting system, in particular to a gas impact force limiting system which directs a flow of gas forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction and reduces the impact force.

[0005] Frontal impacts are the number one fatality and injury-causing mode of crash, resulting in 64 percent of all driver and right-front passenger fatalities and 65 percent of all driver and right-front passenger injuries.

[0006] To help vehicle occupants survive the tremendous forces of a crash, vehicle designers have developed numerous safety features and systems.

[0007] For example, modem vehicles have front and rear “crush zones” that are designed to deform or crumple in a front or rear-end collision. The crumpling lengthens the duration of the crash, and helps absorb and dissipate crash energy, which lowers the rate of deceleration in the vehicle occupant compartment.

[0008] A vehicle's ability to protect an occupant in a crash depends on its ability to absorb the force of impact rather than transfer it to the occupant.

[0009] When a frontal impact is limited to crushable parts, the rate of deceleration is usually low. However, when an impact involves harder structural parts, the rate of deceleration is usually high.

[0010] In a severe frontal collision, impact forces are so great that structures in the front of the vehicle reach their limit of crumpling, and the impact forces begin to deform the occupant cabin.

[0011] Unfortunately, no current safety system can provide complete occupant protection in severe frontal collisions, and very severe frontal collisions can cause more serious occupant's injuries, including fatal injuries—even when seat belts are properly worn and the air bags deploy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This invention is directed to a vehicle impact force limiting system for reducing the impact force during a vehicle frontal collision or a rear-impact crash.

[0013] The first object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle impact force limiting system which lowers the rate of deceleration in the vehicle occupant compartment and reduces the severity of occupant's injuries in a vehicle frontal collision.

[0014] The second object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle impact force limiting system which reduces the sudden relative motion of the head and neck that causes many whiplash injuries during a rear-impact crash. Many of the whiplash injuries with prolonged symptoms occur in rear impacts in which the sudden forward acceleration of an occupant's torso causes the neck to change shape because the head doesn't move with the torso.

[0015] The vehicle impact force limiting system comprises a means for sensing a crash of a vehicle and at least one gas generator or gas source with a guide device joined or connected to the vehicle.

[0016] The gas generator or gas source adapted to generate gas and to direct a flow, or a blast, or a stream of the gas forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction with a force of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream enabling to reduce the impact or crash force when the means for sensing a vehicle crash, or collision, or impact senses a crash of a selected or a predetermined severity and activates the gas generator or gas source.

[0017] The gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream can have a predetermined, or an adjustable, or a modulative force or power based on crash severity, and the gas is directed forward through a guide device which can be adjustable.

[0018] The gas generator or gas source with its guide device can be located on the roof, or in the region of the front part, or underbody, or in other locations of the vehicle.

[0019] The gas generator or gas source is designed to generate a gas flow, or a gas blast, or a gas stream in a moderate to severe frontal collision or in rear-impact crash.

[0020] During a vehicle frontal collision, the impact or driving force of the vehicle is directed forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction, while the reaction or reactive force of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream is directed rearward in an opposite lengthwise direction.

[0021] Thus, the reaction or reactive force of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream reduces the frontal-impact or crash force when the means for sensing a vehicle crash, or collision, or impact senses a crash of a selected or predetermined severity and activates the gas generator or gas source.

[0022] During a vehicle rear-impact crash, the impact force of the other vehicle is directed forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction of the impacted vehicle , while the reaction or reactive force of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream of the impacted vehicle is directed rearward in an opposite lengthwise direction.

[0023] Thus, the reaction or reactive force of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream reduces the rear-impact force when the gas generator or gas source is activated by the means for sensing a vehicle rear-impact crash of a selected or predetermined severity.

[0024] The entire process of a gas generation, a direction of a gas flow forward, and a stop of the gas generation takes place in a fraction of a second.

[0025] The objects and advantages of the vehicle impact force limiting system of the present invention, during a vehicle collision, are:

[0026] (a) to provide an impact force limiting system which reduces the impact force;

[0027] (b) to provide an impact force limiting system which minimizes any deformation of the occupant cabin;

[0028] (c) to provide an impact force limiting system which augments a vehicle ability to protect the occupants;

[0029] (d) to provide an impact force limiting system which lowers the rate of deceleration in the vehicle occupant compartment and reduces the severity of occupant's injuries during a vehicle frontal collision; and

[0030] (e) to provide an impact force limiting system which reduces the sudden forward acceleration of an occupant's torso and helps protect the occupant from whiplash injuries during a vehicle rear-impact crash.

[0031] In next embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle impact force limiting system comprises means for activating the gas generator for emergency stopping of the vehicle.

[0032] In case of emergency, the vehicle can be stooped by a vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant switches on or turns on a means for activating the gas generator adapted to generate gas and to direct a flow of the gas forward with a force of the gas flow enabling to reduce the driving force and to decelerate the vehicle to a stop almost instantly.

[0033] Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0034] The present invention, both as to its structure and manner of operation, may best be understood by referring to the following detailed description, taken in accordance with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035]FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle with a gas generator located on the roof of the vehicle and adapted to direct a gas flow forward in a lengthwise direction in accordance with the present invention, shown in a condition in which the impact force limiting system has not been activated;

[0036]FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the impact force limiting system activated and with arrows showing the direction of the gas flow, of the frontal-impact force, and of the reactive force during a vehicle frontal collision;

[0037]FIG. 3 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the impact force limiting system activated and with arrows showing the direction of the gas flow, of the rear-impact force, and of the reactive force during a vehicle rear-impact crash;

[0038]FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the gas generator with its guide device of FIG. 1, shown for a usual condition in continuous lines and for activated condition in phantom lines; and

[0039]FIG. 5 is a front view of the gas generator with its guide device of FIG. 4, shown for a usual condition in continuous lines and for activated condition in phantom lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a side view of a vehicle 16 with a impact force limiting system 10 of the present invention for reducing the impact force during a vehicle frontal collision.

[0041] Referring next to FIGS. 1 and 3 there is shown a side view of the vehicle 16 with the impact force limiting system 10 of the present invention for reducing the impact force during a vehicle rear-impact crash.

[0042] The vehicle impact force limiting system 10 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) comprises: a means for sensing a crash (frontal or rear impact) of a vehicle (not shown), at least one gas generator or gas source 12 with a guide device 18 joined or connected to the top or roof 14 of the vehicle 16, a cover 20, and a hinge 22. The gas generator or gas source 12 with its guide device 18 also can be located in the region of the front part, or underbody, or in other locations (not shown) of the vehicle 16. The guide device 18 is directed forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction of the vehicle 16.

[0043] The gas generator or gas source 12 is designed to generate a gas flow, or a gas blast, or a gas stream 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) in a moderate to severe frontal collision or in rear-impact crash.

[0044] During a vehicle frontal collision, the vehicle impact force limiting system 10 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5) of the present invention work in the following ways.

[0045] When sensors (not shown) detect a selected or a predetermined severity frontal collision and signal the control unit (not shown) to generate gas, the gas generator or gas source 12 being activated instantly generates gas and swings the cover 20 up on its hinge 22. The activated gas generator or gas source 12 directs a flow, or a blast, or a stream of the gas 24 forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction 26 (FIG. 2).

[0046] The impact or driving force 28 of the vehicle 16 is directed forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction, while the reaction or reactive force 30 of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream 24 is directed rearward in an opposite lengthwise direction (FIG. 2).

[0047] Thus, the reaction or reactive force 30 of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream 24 reduces the frontal-impact force 28 which lowers or reduces the rate of deceleration in the vehicle occupant compartment or cabin and reduces the severity of occupant's injuries in a vehicle frontal collision.

[0048] The gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream 24 can have a predetermined, or an adjustable, or a modulative force or power based on crash severity, and the gas is directed forward through a guide device 18 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) which can be adjustable.

[0049] During a vehicle rear-impact crash, the impact force 32 (FIG. 3) of the other vehicle is directed forward in a lengthwise or longitudinal direction of the impacted vehicle 16, while the reaction or reactive force 30 of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream 24 of the impacted vehicle 16 is directed rearward in an opposite lengthwise direction (FIG. 3).

[0050] Thus, the reaction or reactive force 30 of the gas flow, or the gas blast, or the gas stream 24 reduces the rear-impact force 32 when the gas generator or gas source 12 is activated by the means for sensing a vehicle rear-impact crash of a selected or predetermined severity. The reduced rear impact force 32 lowers the rate of sudden forward acceleration in the vehicle occupant compartment and reduces the severity of occupant's whiplash injuries during a rear-impact crash.

[0051] In next embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle impact force limiting system comprises means (not shown) for activating the gas generator 12 for emergency stopping of the vehicle 16.

[0052] In case of emergency, the vehicle can be stooped by a vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant switches on or turns on a means for activating the gas generator adapted to generate gas and to direct a flow of the gas 24 forward with a force of the gas flow enabling to reduce the driving force 28 (FIG. 2) and to decelerate the vehicle 16 to a stop almost instantly.

[0053] The entire process of a gas generation, a direction of a gas flow forward, and a stop of the gas generation takes place in a fraction of a second.

[0054] In comparison with current safety systems in existing and new vehicles which cannot provide complete occupant protection in sever frontal collisions, and in very severe frontal collisions can cause serious occupant injuries, including fatal injuries -even when seat belts are properly worn and the air bags deploy, the present invention of the vehicle impact force limiting system will allow to protect a great many of occupants from receiving serious or fatal injuries.

[0055] While there has been shown and described preferred embodiment of the vehicle impact force limiting system of this invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. The invention is defined in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A vehicle impact force limiting system comprising: means for sensing a crash of a vehicle, and at least one gas generator adapted to generate gas and to direct a flow of said gas forward with a force of the gas flow enabling to reduce the impact force when said means for sensing a crash senses a crash of a selected severity and activates said gas generator, whereby said reduced impact force reduces the severity of occupant's injuries during a vehicle crash.
 2. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 1 wherein: said gas flow has an adjustable force.
 3. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 1 wherein: said gas flow is directed forward through a guide device.
 4. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 1 further including: means for activating said gas generator in case of emergency stopping of the vehicle.
 5. A vehicle impact force limiting system comprising: means for sensing a vehicle collision, and at least one gas generator adapted to generate gas and to direct a blast of said gas forward in a lengthwise direction with a force of the gas blast enabling to reduce the crash force when said gas generator is activated by said means for sensing a vehicle collision of a predetermined severity, whereby said reduced crash force reduces the severity of occupant's injuries in a vehicle collision.
 6. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 5 wherein: said gas blast has a predetermined force.
 7. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 5 wherein: said gas blast is directed forward in a lengthwise direction through a guide device.
 8. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 5 further including: means for activating said gas generator in order to stop the vehicle in an emergency.
 9. A vehicle impact force limiting system comprising: means for sensing a vehicle impact, and at least one gas source adapted to shoot out a stream of the gas forward in a longitudinal direction with a force of the gas stream enabling to reduce the impact force when said gas source is activated by said means for sensing a vehicle impact, whereby said reduced impact force reduces the severity of occupant's injuries during a vehicle impact.
 10. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 9 wherein: said gas stream has a modulative force.
 11. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 9 wherein: said gas stream is directed forward in a longitudinal direction through a guide device.
 12. The vehicle impact force limiting system of claim 9 further including: means for activating said gas generator for emergency stopping of the vehicle. 